Dean
Dean has two distinct origins. From the Old English "denu" (valley), it referred to someone who lived in a valley. From the Latin "decanus" (chief of ten), it referred to a church official — a dean. The two origins coexist in the same name. As a first name, Dean is essentially modern. Dean was a top-100 American name from 1945 to 1970, peaking at #55 in 1962. Dean (the actor James Dean, 1931-1955, who starred in "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) and "East of Eden" (1955) before dying in a car crash at age 24) is the most iconic bearer. Dean Martin (1917-1995), the singer and member of the Rat Pack, gave the name a Las Vegas charge. I find Dean has a brisk, slightly mid-century quality — the single syllable is direct, and the "D" opening is firm. The name has been outside the US top 200 since 2010. Dean is a male name of English (occupational) origin that means "Valley, or church official". Brisk, mid-century, and a little rebellious. The name sounds direct. Deans tend to be charismatic. US peaked #55 in 1962. Outside top 200 since 2010. Well-known people named Dean include James Dean (actor), Dean Martin (singer), Dean (English word), Dean (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Dean include Dene (variant), Deane (variant), Deen (variant), Deano (nickname).